Program Description

The Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Career Pathway Certificate of Completion gives students a hands-on opportunity to learn about automotive air conditioning and heating systems, EPA Recovery Requirements for R-12, R-134a, and R1234yf systems, and general diagnosis and service. Courses in this option apply toward ASE certification in (A7) Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning, (A6) Electrical/Electronic Systems, and (G1) Maintenance and Light Repair.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate appropriate basic technical knowledge and practical skills necessary for employment in Automotive Technology from previous basic skills courses, plus first level electrical / electronic courses.
• Prepare for the national Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Program.
• Study pressure / temperature relationships as applied to Freon used in automotive systems.
• Diagnose and repair air conditioning and heating controls.
• Demonstrate the safe handling of Freon while repairing multiple vehicles.

Entrance Requirements

Academic Entrance Requirements

• Required:

  • Students must complete the following five courses prior to proceeding into other AUT courses: AUT 101 Basic Electricity for Automotive, AUT 106 Automotive Program Orientation, AUT 107 Mechanical Systems I, AUT 110 Small Gas Engines, and AUT 115 College Success for Automotive Technology.

• Recommended:

  • High school diploma or GED.

Additional Program Costs (beyond standard tuition/fees and textbooks)

Material costs

• Materials (coveralls, safety glasses, work jacket, safety shoes, t-shirts): $200

• ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certification – up to $450 total for all eight areas of testing

• Cost of tools: $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the source

Enrollment fees

• All AUT prefix courses up to AUT 260 Diesel Performance II have a $15 course fee 

• All advanced AUT courses (AUT 260 Diesel Performance II and above) have a $200 course fee

Course Requirements

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Core Courses
AUT 101	Basic Electricity for Automotive	2
AUT 102	Automotive Electric I	5
AUT 106	Automotive Program Orientation	1
AUT 107	Mechanical Systems I	3
AUT 110	Small Gas Engines	3
AUT 115	College Success for Automotive Technology	2
AUT 253	Automotive Air Conditioning	3
Total Credits		19

Performance Standards

• Academic Requirements:

  • Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.

  • All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher

Sample Plan

Sample Plan Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
AUT 101	Basic Electricity for Automotive	2
AUT 106	Automotive Program Orientation	1
AUT 107	Mechanical Systems I	3
AUT 110	Small Gas Engines	3
AUT 115	College Success for Automotive Technology	2
	Credits	11
Winter
AUT 102	Automotive Electric I	5
	Credits	5
Spring
No program courses offered spring term
	Credits	0
Summer
AUT 253	Automotive Air Conditioning	3
	Credits	3
	Total Credits	19